One of the points that most surprises Brazilians buying a house in the United States, according to the agents in the episode, is how escrow works: a third-party, independent company that holds money and documents until the sale is formally completed.

How it works

As soon as an offer is accepted, escrow is opened. The buyer deposits the initial earnest money there (for example, ten thousand dollars) and, as the process moves forward, additional amounts — never directly into the seller's account. The escrow company doesn't work for the agent, the bank, or either party: it strictly follows what's written in the contract and California law.

The difference from the earnest deposit in Brazil

In Brazil, the deposit usually goes straight into the seller's account — and if the deal falls through, it's up to the buyer to ask for (and hope to get back) the amount. In the US, no one has access to the money until escrow releases it, according to the contract's conditions. If the contract changes through an amendment, that change also needs to be formalized and sent to escrow.

Protection for both sides

• Nothing is finalized without the signatures of all parties involved.
• Any change to the terms requires everyone's agreement — no side can change it alone.
• The core idea is what agents call a meeting of the minds: a genuine agreement between the parties, documented and neutral.

Sources and verification

• Agents' explanation of how escrow works as a neutral third party in the episode.
• California Department of Real Estate — role of escrow companies in real estate transactions.
• Transcript of episode 4 of the Cadê Moradia podcast (March 2026).

This topic comes from the full episode — watch it:

CADÊ BRAZIL